Chapter 18

Chapter XVIII:
King Louis XIV. does not think Mademoiselle de la Valliere either rich
enough or pretty enough for a Gentleman of the Rank of the Vicomte de
Bragelonne.

Raoul and the Comte de la Fere reached Paris the evening of the same day
on which Buckingham had held the conversation with the queen-mother. The
count had scarcely arrived, when, through Raoul, he solicited an audience
of the king. His majesty had passed a portion of the morning in looking
over, with madame and the ladies of the court, various goods of Lyons
manufacture, of which he had made his sister-in-law a present. A court
dinner had succeeded, then cards, and afterwards, according to his usual
custom, the king, leaving the card-tables at eight o'clock, passed into
his cabinet in order to work with M. Colbert and M. Fouquet. Raoul
entered the ante-chamber at the very moment the two ministers quitted it,
and the king, perceiving him through the half-closed door, said, "What do
you want, M. de Bragelonne?"

The young man approached: "An audience, sire," he replied, "for the Comte
de la Fere, who has just arrived from Blois, and is most anxious to have
an interview with your majesty."

"I have an hour to spare between cards and supper," said the king. "Is
the Comte de la Fere at hand?"

"He is below, and awaits your majesty's permission."

"Let him come up at once," said the king, and five minutes afterwards
Athos entered the presence of Louis XIV. He was received by the king
with that gracious kindness of manner which Louis, with a tact beyond his
years, reserved for the purpose of gaining those who were not to be
conquered by ordinary favors. "Let me hope, comte," said the king, "that
you have come to ask me for something."

"I will not conceal from your majesty," replied the comte, "that I am
indeed come for that purpose."

"That is well," said the king, joyously.

"It is not for myself, sire."

"So much the worse; but, at least, I will do for your _protege_ what you
refuse to permit me to do for you."

"Your majesty encourages me. I have come to speak on behalf of the
Vicomte de Bragelonne."

"It is the same as if you spoke on your own behalf, comte."

"Not altogether so, sire. I am desirous of obtaining from your majesty
that which I cannot ask for myself. The vicomte thinks of marrying."

"He is still very young; but that does not matter. He is an eminently
distinguished man; I will choose a wife for him."

"He has already chosen one, sire, and only awaits your consent."

"It is only a question, then, of signing the marriage-contract?" Athos
bowed. "Has he chose a wife whose fortune and position accord with your
own anticipation?"

Athos